International Teaching Assistants in Higher

Education in the U.S.A.

Rey Ty & Awni Alkarzon32nd Research-to-Practice Conference in Adult

and Higher EducationLindenwood University

St. Charles, Missouri 63301September 20-21, 2013

Abstract1. This paper reviews the

literature on international teaching assistants (ITAs).

2. It begins with a comparison of teaching assistants (TAs) and international teaching assistants in the United States.

3. Next, it identifies both the problems and the roles of ITAs.

4. Subsequently, recommendations are enumerated.

5. The paper concludes with ideas for further research.

Problem1. ITAs lack knowledge

& experience about U.S. educational context

2. No undergrad U.S. experience

Research Questions1. How different are ITAs from

U.S. teaching assistants (TAs)?

2. What are some of the problems with which ITAs deal in both traditional face-to-face classroom setting and in virtual or online distance teaching?

3. What are the duties of ITAs? 4. What are some

recommended responses to the challenges with which ITAs are confronted?

Findings 1. TAs vis-à-vis ITAs

2. Problems: Culture, Language, Delivery

Findings

3. Duties: Instruction, Cultural Considerations, Classroom Dynamic, Instructional Technology, Testing & Grading, Professionalism

Conclusion

• Higher education institutions need to provide them with opportunities to pursue continuing education.

Implications:

Conclusion1. Go beyond description and investigate the

causal relationship between the variables. 2. Study ITAs across different universities. 3. Aside from getting data only from ITAs,

they can also include feedback from the students’ perspectives.

Recommendations for Future Research: